Whether you flock from the city or the country, from subways or S.U.Vs, you’ll learn that Northwestern has a transportation system of its own to uncover. And if you don’t want to waste all of your money on transportation, give this a little skim.First thing’s first – you’ll have to get from the airport to campus and your best bet is getting in a cab (and hopefully splitting it with fellow Wildcats to save yourself a couple of bucks). The most popular taxi company on campus is Norshore Cab (847-864-7500). They have NU’s varied break schedules ingrained in their memories and are available at everyone’s beck and call, whether it’s a Thursday Deuce night or a mass of students returning from Winter Break.Though Norshore does tend to charge a little more than other companies – if you use a van there’s an extra $10 charge – they are the most reliable. Just don’t be too surprised if the operator says, “Hey [your name]” whenever you call, since they will log your name and phone number into their system.It’s also worthwhile to have 303 Taxi (847-256-0303) and American Cab (847-673-1000) saved in your phone. While they are a little cheaper, they’re not as local, meaning it takes them a bit longer to reach you. But it’s always good to have a back-up. But don’t fret, dear freshmen, cabs are not your only source of transportation. This article will take you from the most expensive to the least – in this case free – ways of transporting yourself around Evanston and Chicago, so you’ve got a bunch of options. Next you must learn about the El. Fun fact: The El got its name because it is an elevated train. It is Chicago’s version of a subway or metro, and costs $2 per ride.The El is composed of eight routes, or lines, each with a different color. El routes run from northern suburbs, like Evanston and Skokie, to Chicago’s South Side. Several of the El’s routes also extend to western parts of the city. You can take the El to Chicago or other fun areas, just make sure to consult your colors before getting off. The Red Line runs north-south alongside Lake Michigan, and a transfer to the Purple Line at the Howard stop is the way to get back into Evanston (remember, our school’s color is purple and you will always take the purple line to get back to your new home). The Purple Line stops used mostly by NU students are the Davis, Foster, and Noyes stop.During rush hour on the weekdays, the Purple Express runs from its most northern stop, Linden, down to the Loop, Chicago’s business district, skipping a few of the stops the Red Line makes along the way and saving you precious minutes.The Chicago Transportation Authority – who runs the El – and PACE are two of the city’s major transportation operators. They also run a large assortment of bus lines that travel all around the city and the suburbs. Some locations, such as Old Orchard Mall in Skokie, are only accessible through buses to those who are car-less. Bus fare is $1.75, and you can ask for a transfer for another quarter. Most of the buses that drive out of Evanston can be accessed out of the Davis CTA stop. Be aware that both the CTA and PACE are undergoing major funding problems, and both agencies often report plans of cut-backs and fare increases.But a taxi or the El isn’t the only way to get around. It took me all of Fall Quarter to realize how much I was spending on transportation when I stumbled upon the Intercampus shuttle. If you are taking anything away from this article, it should be this: Take advantage of the free transportation NU provides.The intercampus shuttle runs at least twice an hour between NU’s Evanston campus and Chicago campus. This is your ticket to Michigan Avenue, the heart of Chicago. Use it and abuse it as you please. Still, you’d want a free way to get around campus, right? As freshmen, you don’t want to wander around Foster looking for a supposed frat party (if any exist in the fall) or manage to get lost in Evanston if you’re craving a late-night snack at Clarke’s. Getting around is simple, really. It’s called SafeRide, formerly Escort Service. Regardless, they refer to the same thing: free transportation throughout Evanston from 8 p.m. or 9 p.m. (depending on the season) to 2 a.m. SafeRide is a student car-service, and it will take students anywhere within a three-mile radius of campus.Saferide has its rough spots, though. If you’re calling at a prime hour (basically any time between 10 p.m. and 12 a.m. on any night) you need to call about 45 minutes before you want to get picked up. Also, have your NetID ready when you call in order to secure your name on their list.If you still want more options, then I’m going to have to say you’re a bit needy. However, I like to please my readers so I’ll leave you with two last methods of transportation: Either take the walking path and tell yourself your calves will be better than what Johnny Drama ever imagined in “Entourage,” or find yourself an older friend with a car and suck up as much as possible.Reach Emily Glazer at [email protected].